Conference summary - "The Nordic Region as a frontrunner in Research and Innovation"

Conference summary - "The Nordic Region as a frontrunner in Research and Innovation"

Published 03/03/2004

Last updated 09/06/2011

”The Nordic region as a frontrunner in research and innovation” was the theme of the conference hosted by the Nordic Council of Ministers, Iceland (its chair) and the Nordic Innovation Centre on 10 June 2004. Delegates included decision- and policymakers in the Nordic innovation system. An important aim of the conference was to discuss and generate feedback to the newly presented policy document, ”Proposals for a collaborative Nordic programme on innovation policy 2005-2010” (”The Book of Innovation”).

The conference participants showed great enthusiasm and commitment to the process of Nordic collaboration in research and innovation. The challenge in the months to come will be to follow-up with concrete measures and collaboration structures.

The conference showed that the following issues and proposals for action are of particular importance:

The need for strong political commitment and involvement in developing the innovation and research policies of tomorrow.

The need for a horizontal innovation and research policy – nationally and at Nordic level

Priority for targeted interventions in areas where the Nordic countries have achieved global excellence